Fans Gone Wild
I know I’m going to regret this, but…
Two days ago I posted a small portion of the review Entertainment Weekly did on Diana Gabaldon’s newest book. Let me say that again so there’s no confusion: the review someone else - not me - wrote on Gabaldon’s new book. You can read my blog entry here. The only change from the original post is the UPDATE part at the beginning.
One of the comments I got in response to the blog that day referred to the fact I wrote the review without reading the book. I thought it was an odd comment since I didn’t actually review the book, so I responded and reiterated that fact. Then I got an email. A nasty email. One that was sent to me and to my agent (yes, my agent). The author of the nasty email called me names and said I was illiterate. There was more, but you get the gist. Then, as I predicted to friends after I got this nasty email, a 1 star review of my book YOUR MOUTH DRIVES ME CRAZY suddenly appeared on Amazon. It went up at about the same time I got the nasty email. The email and review are from the same person. The Amazon review was gone but is now back. Go figure. Either way, it says:
I have read very good romance novels before I picked up this one.
Its easy to find authors who can string thoughts and words together, If you find this book in your hand,I am so sorry for you.
This author finds her words in Travel Brocures.
I wonder if the pictures on her blog are the same people who wrote such large chunks of dialog in the reviews. Who else bothers with direct words from the book in a reviews? I can only guess the same lawyers or their employees.
Check out the pictures on her web site and its full of her and lawyers as well as those travel pictures. At least She knows who to credit in pictures.
Uh-huh.
Since I didn’t actually write a review on the damn Gabaldon book - thought I’d repeat that again in case anyone somehow still is confused on that major point - I was pretty stunned by the vitriolic email this woman wrote. But, this fake Amazon review is more troubling. It’s a little too easy for angry people with convoluted agendas to do this.
Now, to the credit of the woman who wrote the nasty email, once I pointed out that I never said anything bad about Gabaldon, the writer apologized. She picked up her wrong information about me off a yahoo email loop. Yeah, those fabulous romance yahoo loops. Once she understood I did not do what I was being accused of doing, she said she would try to tell the people on the loop that I did not write whatever offensive thing the yahoo loop folks think I wrote. While I appreciate the gesture, I’m frustrated and concerned that something can get blown out of proportion like this and that no one checks their facts before spewing nastiness on the internet.
[imagine my head blowing off my shoulders at this point]
So, what should an author do about this sort of thing? I’m thinking the general view is that an author should do exactly…nothing. Where is Monica with those calming devices when you need her?
Despite the general view that authors should stay quiet about stuff like this, I would like to say a few general things to the fangirls out there:
1. I don’t know Diana Gabaldon but I’m betting she would not be happy to know her fans are out here doing stuff like this on her behalf. I don’t know any authors who would want their fans to act like this. Authors stop by here all the time. Do any of you guys want your fans to do this? So we’re clear, I don’t.
2. Don’t take everything that’s said on a yahoo loop as gospel. Check for yourself before you get ticked off and do something nasty.
which leads me to…
3. Don’t do anything nasty. Please, please, please never write a fake 1 star Amazon or B&N review out of spite. I continue to be stunned and saddened that people do this sort of thing. It is so junior high - which is a very bad thing - and damaging. I just can’t believe grown-ups think it’s okay to act this way. Naive, I know, but this sort of vindictive thing is beyond me, especially when, like here, all the nastiness is based on misinformation
I’m not loving the romance community today…
November 28th, 2007 at 6:00 am
So that’s whose head landed in our front yard last night… I thought it looked familiar, if a bit covered with frost.
I’m a little amazed that people actually have the time (and balls) to do this kind of thing. Dear Jane has just posted a review of the Gabaldon book, so perhaps that will take some of the heat off you. Although she did give it a good review.
Hope your week is better.
November 28th, 2007 at 7:46 am
The term in fandom is “fanpoodle” and I’ve seen it far to often connected to fanfic writers. Someone says something that’s perceived as an insult and the fanpoodles descend, yipping and biting without conscious thought. Doesn’t matter if they actually read the original post/comment — the call goes out and the teeth are bared.
The author doesn’t have to encourage this behavior; once the fanpoodles latch onto an author or a show or actor, they move on their own, whacking at anything that they deem might paint the object of their adoration as less than perfect. Do they have a life? Yes, but a large part of it revolves around the wonderfulness of the object of the obsession. And I’ve run into crazy Gabaldon fans before; it’s actually put me off reading her books.
Btw, I just looked at Amazon and the review is still there. Hopefully it’s coming down soon and the rest of the week is better.
November 28th, 2007 at 7:47 am
HelenKay, breathe deeply, eat some chocolate, remember that taking the high road is a good thing but it will be a bumpy ride because there’s very little traffic on that road to smooth out the rough spots.
November 28th, 2007 at 8:01 am
I’m so sorry this happened to you. It’s insane when people spout off without checking facts. And I for one loved Your Mouth Drives Me Crazy. And to give you a one star review because of something said online, even if you had said it, is ridiculous. The reviews should be based on content of the book and NOTHING ELSE.
November 28th, 2007 at 8:27 am
Wow, that is crazy. And completely childish. I know we all get the impulse from time to time (or is that just me?) but then,hopefully, rationality kicks in and I stop myself from acting like a complete idiot.
HelenKay, I’m sorry this person so unfairly attacked you. That review had nothing to do with your book. Like Marissa, I loved your story, and definitely plan on buying the next one.
November 28th, 2007 at 9:32 am
Soldier on, HK! It’s so hard to be an opinionated woman and a romance novelist. We get slammed enough for writing “bodice rippers;” we shouldn’t be attacked for things we didn’t even say.
November 28th, 2007 at 10:08 am
HelenKay,
That is so awful, and I’m sorry you had to experience such nastiness!
November 28th, 2007 at 10:18 am
I think the Internet’s sense of anonymity gives certain people a feeling of power. They feel they can say whatever they want because they’ll never actually meet the person they are slamming, and the consequences of their comments are therefore removed. It’s like breaking up over the phone. You don’t have to see the hurt in your ex’s eyes.
We forget that bloggers are not fictional characters but real people, and what is written on the Internet actually has more impact than the spoken word. There’s no taking it back. No “he said, she said.” As in a book, it’s written, and actually more accessible than print.
So when we comment, be it constructive or trash talk, we have to be aware that 1) a wider, objective audience—the WORLD—is reading the words; they don’ t know us as friends and family. We need to be certain what we are saying is truly worth putting on the page for the world to see, and 2) if it’s nasty, it better be worth the misery it causes us and those we write about, because it probably will come back to us in some form or fashion, even if we’re quick to change our online identities.
In other words, on the Internet, we’re all superstars. Negative media plays. Karma exists.
And, yes, Lord John is very gay.
November 28th, 2007 at 10:43 am
What people above said.
Also, sadly, some people are just effing psycho and immature and are allowed access to a keyboard.
November 28th, 2007 at 10:51 am
HelenKay, I’m sorry you had to experience such nastiness. I loved Your Mouth Drives Me Crazy and will head over to Amazon to rate it right now. Those ratings should be about the book, not anything else.
November 28th, 2007 at 11:25 am
I’m sorry too, HelenKay! I loved your book! And having had the pleasure to meet you in person and read your blogs, your integrity, intelligence, fairness and damn good writing, will quickly put this one unpleasant outburst to rest. I hope tomorrow is a better day for you!
November 28th, 2007 at 11:47 am
I… What the… *shakes head* Some people are just ridiculous.
Don’t let the idiots get you down. If someone’s such a follower that they would trash another person just because a post on a random Yahoo! loop told them to, their opinion isn’t worth the paper it’s written on.
You have another fan over here. And I *have* read your work. *Grin*
November 28th, 2007 at 11:53 am
HelenKay, it’s so hard sometimes to do the right/best thing when faced with nastiness. Hope your knowing our/readers’ support and love for your stories sends more positive/happy energy your way and helps you get through this! Hugs!
November 28th, 2007 at 12:09 pm
Thanks for the support, guys! Huge thanks to all who enjoyed my book.
I’m actually fine. Still a bit mad and really frustrated, but mostly just sad that grown-ups do this sort of thing. Not sure why I’m surprised, but I am.
Forgetting me for a second, the idea that this crap happens out there - probably on a regular basis - is so disheartening. The reality is that we should all be allowed to express opinions without the fear of someone posting a spiteful review on Amazon in retaliation. And having the spiteful Amazon review posted when you don’t even express an opinion…yeah, not sure how to fight that.
I’m off to write. Maybe a few hours of holiday novella writing will make all of this seem better.
November 28th, 2007 at 12:09 pm
First, really sorry this happened to you. People ruin everything.
I’ll be a desenting voice here re authors should say nothing. I just don’t believe that. I think we have a perfect right to express our opinions, respond to criticism and to correct mistakes (like this one). We just have to be careful not how we do it. From what I’ve read on your blog, and in your comments on others, you’re smart enough and stable enough to respond with class and courtesy.
November 28th, 2007 at 12:17 pm
You have got to lurve the rabid.
I mean really. What if you had really reviewed the book? What if you had been silly enough to not like it? What would you have done HelenKay if this read hadn’t come along and made you see the errors of your ways?
THINK OF WHAT COULD HAVE HAPPENED!?!?!
Sorry this kind of shit makes me wanna read the author and hate the book muchly. It is like a car wreck. You know you shouldn’t look, point and laugh at the rabid fangrrls, you know you shouldn’t blame the author…. but dunno. I asked a question yesterday to an author who guest on my blog and I think I am gonna expand it into a post of its own.
Which comes first… the rabid fangrrl or the worshipped author
November 28th, 2007 at 1:08 pm
Most of the groups I belong to DO NOT allow the badmouthing of anyone.
So sorry it had to happen to you.
November 28th, 2007 at 2:06 pm
Nothing kills my enthusiasm for an author or series like a rude and rabid fan base.
I hope fans realize that their online behavior can influence potential readers more than any review. When a series has the sort of rabid, bullying fandom that mass-attacks dissenting opinions and engages in dirty tricks against those who disagree with them, my gut instinct is to stay away from both the group and the series. And if the author condones or encourages such behavior, they’re off my reading list for good.
November 28th, 2007 at 2:34 pm
HelenKay is far too polite. The person in question here is, what we like to call around the Goldberg home, a complete and utter fucktard. HelenKay is too polite to give out the fucktard’s full name, as I would, or reproduce the emails said fucktard sent her, as I would, or even quote from them liberally to show just how insane this woman is. But her review on Amazon, which is still up, does show the depth of her fucktardedness in addition to her inability to, you know, think without help from the alien mothership. The larger and more insidious problem here is that this fucktard doesn’t think Diana Gabaldon should ever have a critical word said about her, because she’s the LADY DIANA GABALDON. Oh, give me a fucking break. C’mon, Toria, sic your Lady’s of Lollybroch on me! I dare you!
November 28th, 2007 at 2:50 pm
cripes some people can be so freaking insane. I’m sorry HelenKay, that has to have really sucked. I think a correction in this case was absolutely warranted although jeez, if we can’t have an opinion just because we’re authors, I don’t want to live in that world.
November 28th, 2007 at 3:36 pm
Well! i’ve never read Gabaldon, and now i most deffinately don’t want too. i cannot believe fans would act like that.
November 28th, 2007 at 4:17 pm
I’m very sorry this happened to you. The review was completely removed from the site. One minute it was there, and the next it was gone. Hope that means it’s gone permanently.
November 28th, 2007 at 4:31 pm
OH, HelenKay, HUGS!!! I am so sorry this sort of thing happened. I just wanted to show you some love. Not everyone is mannerless on the internet and I, for one, certainly never pay attention to reviews like the one she left you which just scream out SPITE. You’ve got lots of adoring fans and your books ROCK. I’ve read them all.
November 28th, 2007 at 5:04 pm
I came over from Anne’s blog (Let’s gab) and just wanted to say:
I agree with Nora Roberts on this. Normally I’m all for silence is the better part of valor, but in a case like this, you’re well within your rights to say something about this. Especially since it’s obvious the letter writer was way off base. I read the comment she left in the other post, and it just didn’t make sense. Methinks she just skimmed the post and then left a comment. Weird.
In any case, you handled it beautifully, and because I respect the way you went about it, I’m off to buy your book.
So, see, something good did come of this.
I’m really sorry you had to deal with it, though. Some people’s kids….
November 28th, 2007 at 5:04 pm
Everyone has a right to express their opinion and no one can take that away from us.
I just check and that 1-star review is no longer there.
I’ve enjoyed all your books and I look forward to the release of your next book.
November 28th, 2007 at 5:10 pm
Oh yeah…and we all know if you read it on the internet, it has to be true. Why waste time verifying the facts? Let’s just be a sheep and blindly follow the path the others have taken.
HelenKay, I agree with what NR said. You are a class act and don’t forget it.
Most authors don’t condone such spiteful behavior, and if they did I wouldn’t waste my time reading them. I love your books and HIGHLY recommend them!
Big Hugs!!
Angie
November 28th, 2007 at 6:23 pm
I’ve read Gabaldon and don’t really care for it. I mean, I can see the craft in it and the laborious research, but I don’t find her writing very interesting. Good, no doubt. Just not my cuppa tea.
On the other hand, I loved Your Mouth Drives Me Crazy. I thought it was a rocking good book and reco’d it to anyone who would listen to me.
So there’s some balance for ya. Ignore the turkeys, HelenKay. They’re not worth your energy.
November 28th, 2007 at 6:54 pm
I’m so sorry about the fans not understanding your post and feeling the need to “get back at you.” It was indeed childish and not great behavior.
I’ve been discussing online reviews.. and the getting on the slam bandwagon that some blogs seem to be on these days. It’s lets take down the author and people jump on and say how they will never a read another book by that person. It is not nice and I can’t see how slamming a book helps anyone.
I’m glad you blogged about your amazon review incident.
November 28th, 2007 at 8:29 pm
Big hug, HelenKay–I’m so sorry to read about this happening to you! It’s truly enough to make your head explode… And Nora’s right–you’re a class act in how you’ve responded, and it’s good respond graciously to set the record straight. Ugh.
Just know your fans do love your work and are thrilled you’re continuing to write for all of us happy readers
We can’t wait for more!
November 28th, 2007 at 9:07 pm
I wish I had something to add, but what can I say after Mr Goldberg’s eloquent comment (except, yeah, to note that this rabid fangirl, in addition to elevating Gabaldon to the peerage, spelled her favorite author’s name “Dianna”)? You have handled this with dignity and grace and, yeah, it makes the author look just as bad.
November 28th, 2007 at 9:45 pm
I read the unctious, vindictive claptrap that She-Who-Shall-Not-Be-Named spilled in her many e-mail messages to HelenKay yesterday, and almost lost my faith in human race, not to mention the country’s educational system which, it’s clear, betrayed this owl long ago. Apart from feeling free to take personal swipes at HelenKay, SWSNBN went one step further and had the unmitigated audacity to express that SHE felt as victimized as HelenKay by the whole episode. How rich: spread misinformation borne of your own ignorance and stupidity, then ask for sympathy because you were duped. That’s oddly reminiscent of the child who kills his parents and then begs for mercy because he’s an orphan (and by the way, SWSNBN, if you’re reading this, I am not accusing you of killing your parents, so save the diatribe).
Hon, I join the chorus of people who applaud you for taking the high road, because I would not, and don’t think you need to. If people want to waste perfectly good bandwidth expressing uneducated, misinformed opinions, then so be it. You, however, are under no obligation to take it on the chin or to retain SWSNBN’s anonymity. If SWSNBN wants to stake out a position, then she should be prepared to defend it and to do so in any manner you see fit. Simple as that.
One last thing…I know you think the tone of this posting may be too scorched-earth for civlized discussion. You can delete it, but I’ll repost it.
November 28th, 2007 at 10:48 pm
As a mother it is hard not to comment.
I will say this — you never fail to make me proud of you.
November 28th, 2007 at 11:53 pm
I belong to the Yahoogroup in question as does at least one other member (I recognized the name) who responded with a civil comment. There are 2685 subscribers to the Yahoo group, and if one one in a thousand is a nutcase, then there are 2.685 unbalanced people who belong. Three of us posted to your blog, and so far the ratio of balanced to unbalanced posters is 2:1 and balanced to actively unbalanced subscribers is 2684:1. This does not add up to a reflection on Diana Gabaldon or her fan base. If angry illiterate fans had descended on you en masse, it would be a different thing, but so far all I see is one individual who may be a French fry short of a Happy Meal or who may simply be going through a rough patch right now and taking it out on you. That’s the downside of cyberspace - we really don’t know.
November 29th, 2007 at 12:05 am
“This does not add up to a reflection on Diana Gabaldon or her fan base. ”
No, but is is a symptom of how people treat each other on the internet. The ease at which people can misconstrue what was written and then immediately act is amazing. Obviously someone pointed out HelenKay’s blog post on the group which in turn got that person upset. Unfortunately not a member of your group I have no idea how HelenKay’s post was discussed on your group.
I remember reading the earlier post and it was clearly stated that she was commenting on the reviewer not what was reviewed.
This isn’t the first time people have let their anger towards an author result in terrible Amazon.com or BN.com reviews. Many times having nothing to due to the book they are reviewing.
I’ve always thought the romance world was beyond the nastiness I’ve seen in TV fandoms. Unfortunately this shows it isn’t.
November 29th, 2007 at 12:22 am
I agree that the supposed anonymity of the internet leads people to think that there are no consequences for unacceptable behavior. I think they are mistaken. What goes around comes around, and although cyberspace can be a very big place, sometimes it can feel like a small neighborhood.
I consider it unethical to post messages from one group to another, but I will say in general the group discussion was about the EW review itself, clearly identified as such, and not about HKD or this blog. The actions were those of an individual, and she was not representative of the nature of the group, its members or DG’s fans at large.
November 29th, 2007 at 4:17 am
I can’t imagine Gabaldon wanted or appreciated this sort of whacked attack. Unless an author actively solicits or encourages this kind of nasty behavior, she really can’t be held responsible for the actions of a reader.
And having read this blog enough to feel I have a sense of HelenKay’s style, I’d have to say that when her husband and mom post, that had to be some whacked attack. It makes me even more sorry, and even more angry, it happened.
November 29th, 2007 at 7:02 am
Sending cyber Godiva chocolates your way! No calories! (That’s gotta make you feel better.
)
Jana, a part-time lurker
November 29th, 2007 at 8:50 am
I read several of the personal letters. And if ’twere me, I would block that individual from being able to access my site, and blacklist her email address. The letters were that insane.
November 29th, 2007 at 10:35 am
{{{{HK}}}} These stalker fans just make me cringe…what author would like to be associated with these crazies and having them do stuff like this? Boggles the mind. So very sorry this happened to you.
November 29th, 2007 at 11:15 am
Two days out, I am a bit less emotional about this. As you can see, my husband and mother are not. Nora’s right, for them to chime in shows this was a big deal in my household. My husband saw all of the emails. He was appalled and angry…in case you couldn’t tell. Friend/fellow author Tod Goldberg and my hubby thought I should post all of the emails. The view was that people need to see how ridiculous their rabid fangirl reactions are. Maybe if they see it in someone else, they’ll stop. And, well, my hubby wanted the woman punished. Interestingly enough, my female internet buddies and friends (Jane at Dear Author, Sybil, Alison, Wendy and Kassia/Booksquare) agreed that I shouldn’t. Not sure what this means on the scale of how women problem solve versus men, but I thought I’d share that difference.
Kilian - I appreciate you writing. It’s not easy to step up and say you have personal information on something that is not so pleasant. According to the Amazon email I received, three different people tried to post nasty reviews at about the same time. This triggered some sort of automatic check on Amazon’s part. One review did post (the one I posted here), the other two never did. I think all are gone now. I am only saying this to point out this went beyond one french fry (and I do love that comment - thanks for sharing it).
You are correct that another person from the loop commented here without incident. I think it was Deniz. She was reasoned in her comment but she did comment on how I wrote a review when I didn’t read a book. Clearly someone on the yahoo loop got this all wrong at some point. According to the woman who wrote the emails and the Amazon review - and I am not saying she is an accurate reporter, I am just passing this on - said the view on the yahoo loop all weekend was that I wrote the review and that she tried to correct that impression (after hearing from me). Here are some comments on this issue which are taken directly - without editing from me - from some of her emails:
-”You didn’t write the review? there is a chance you really are an author? Are you a lawyer like some said?
-”There is something else you should know, its going around the internet esp. the Yahoo forums like a wild fire that you wrote that review.”
-”I read about 62 different posts all but one are hightly insulting to you. into this melea I just wrote a correct informative post which states planly that your site carries book reviews you do not write them and can not be considered theauthor of the Dianna Gabldon review.”
-”After reading what others were saying I did want to go and see what your books were like. Truthfully, with a name like “Your Mouth drives me crazy” Well, I’m sorry, but that’s not the most impressive title I ever picked up. Then I read the reviews and they seem very contrived. Stilted, book content not like they are written by a real reader.”
You can see where she left the impression that this was not a one-woman show. But, really, there are global points (and not directed to Kilian since she seems like a logical person) that should not be lost here:
1. Did anyone read the EW review? It’s not that bad. The reviewer clearly does not read much in the romance genre. She sort of says that. But, she talks about how she got sucked in and about Gabaldon’s talent. If I’m Gabaldon, I’m pretty happy with those tidbits and with the exposure.
I post EW reviews of romance and chick lit because EW takes the time to actually review romance and chick lit. Most magazines and papers don’t. While I don’t always agree with EW, I’m impressed someone there is willing to give romance and chick lit some play. And, the authors who get reviews are sometimes newer authors who would never normally get that sort of exposure - ex. Meljean Brook and Jennifer Estep who both have been reviewed in EW over the last few months. That’s something to celebrate, not condemn.
2. Authors, readers and bloggers should be allowed to express opinions without the wrath of God coming down on our collective heads. Even if I had said something negative about Gabaldon - which I did not - why not comment and engage in a discussion? The automatic view is: if you don’t like what I like you are just jealous and need to be crushed. It’s ridiculous. If I actually say something, then I open the door and should expect a conversation. But give me a conversation not a playground slap fest. Give me a fair fight. If you’re angry with me, tell me. Fight with me head on. This behind the back thing is just so childish…makes me nuts.
3. If there is one thing guaranteed to make me crazy (actually, there are many) it is fake reviews on Amazon and B&N. I cannot understand how grown-ups do this sort of thing. Are these folks teaching their kids that this sort of backstabbing is okay? I bet not. For whatever reason, otherwise intelligent adults feel as if they can act like bratty 5th graders so long as they do it behind the anonymity of the internet. Makes me want to scream.
4. And here’s the worst part - I can’t imagine ever reading Gabaldon now. I admire Gabaldon for writing the books she wanted to write. I’m sure she got the “how are we going to market that” comments when she started, but she pushed forward, won huge numbers of fans and created an impressive career. I had not read her previously because the subject matter did not interest me. But, when I saw that EW review and realized the series was continuing in some fashion, I decided to give her books a try over the holidays. Yeah, thanks to that EW review. Now I have no inclination to read her. Because of this bizarre and nasty situation, I just don’t want to. My point is that the only person who suffers from these overblown fan reactions is the author.
Ann - My fear is that the romance community is one of the worst with this fandom stuff. I hope I’m wrong. I fear I’m not.
Thanks to all for the support.
November 29th, 2007 at 11:24 am
Just a note. The Lord John books are not romances. Lord John, in fact, is gay (not that that means it couldn’t be a romance, just stating facts), and they are published under Delacorte’s as mysteries, I believe. (Just did a check of the one on my shelf; just says Delacorte Press.)
November 29th, 2007 at 11:28 am
Yeah, I should have clarified. That’s one of the problems with Gabaldon’s work - trying to figure out what it is in terms of genre. I only said romance because the review talks about romance stuff. The reviewer also uses the term “bodice ripper” in relation to the book. That’s why I said romance. For what it’s worth, the review also talks about how Gabaldon seems to defy literary identification.
November 29th, 2007 at 11:39 am
I’d say her Lord John series is historical mystery, and her Outlander series is historical fantasy with strong romantic elements. Good stuff, I like her writing. And probably she’s identified with the romance genre because the Outlander books got shelved there, so despite now writing books labeled “Mystery” she’s still thought of as “Romance author”. Go figure. The reaction you got to posting a review snippet from EW is just…bizarre.
November 29th, 2007 at 11:44 am
I’ve had some pretty nasty things happen to me and recently a friend of mine via email on on the yahoo groups. It amazes me what people will say when they think they’re safe. I’m tired of people acting like they have no sense just because they think they can’t be touched. We all know these same people wouldn’t say or do any of this if it weren’t for the fact they think they are safe from reprisal. Would this same person have said this face to face? I’d bet money she wouldn’t!
Beyond all that, being a mother and raising two daughters in the age of gadgets and the Internet, I teach them two things. One: do not use the Internet like it’s your own personal blade to hack your enemies to bits with. Two: use the internal filter God gave you! Learn to control your tongue.
I’m sorry this happened to you. Unfortunately I’m seeing more and more of it and it just makes me cringe. As a new author it makes me really worry!! I think you have every right to speak the truth and make people understand what really happened!
November 29th, 2007 at 12:25 pm
Don’t let the turkeys get you down! There’s always some overly emotional yahoo out there who’s happy to jump up and down and make a lot of noise in the name of misguided loyalty. They make the rational fans look bad.
I think you’ve handled it really well. Ultimately, keeping yourself out of the muck will put you on top. People will sense the difference between integrity and silliness.
November 29th, 2007 at 12:30 pm
Helen,
You’re not only a wonderful writer, but you seem to have a knack for finding yourself knee deep in it. I am joking and you’ve brought up a subject that has always made me a little crazy. Anyone can leave a nasty review whether they’ve read a book or not. Some readers don’t look at reviews, but a good many do and seeing a poor one could very easily turn that reader, and a hundred more, away. It’s frustrating
November 29th, 2007 at 2:24 pm
Dearest HK!
I’m so sorry to read about this truly awful incident. Not only does it prove that the Internet can be and is used maliciously, but it demonstrates the awesome power of words and how they can either be used to lift up the spirit or crush it.
You have shown by beautiful example of how not to let one sad and terribly confused person crush your spirit. And by the many comments of fans, peers, friends, and family it is apparent that you have a strong and enviable support system. Speaking of which, does your husband have a brother?
November 29th, 2007 at 2:29 pm
One last point and then I’m done.
Leaving a patently false, baseless review on Amazon or other such site is, in my view, perilously close to tortious conduct to the extent that it is intended to depress sales of the artist’s work and deprive the artist of the financial benefits associated with the sale of that work. No one is eagerly awaiting the first lawsuit claiming tortious interference with contract in this context, but if there were ever a set of circumstances that merited its exploration, this is it. How unfortunate it would be if sane, rational discussion were quieted because of the petty efforts of a single, nonsensical individual.
November 29th, 2007 at 2:52 pm
Thank you everyone. I appreciate the kind thoughts and comments. I promise I am much calmer and less upset today. All is well.
Can you tell the hubby is a lawyer? And, no, I am not suing anyone.
Lottie - Sorry, he’s an only child. He has about a billion male cousins sprinkled all over So. Cal., but I think they’re all married…and why do I think I owe you an email? Off to check.
November 29th, 2007 at 3:04 pm
Yikes!!!!
November 29th, 2007 at 3:10 pm
That’s insane. I’m so sorry HelenKay! Having been the recipient of one of these crazy, baseless attack squads before, I know how powerless, frustrated, and just plain panicked they can make you feel. It’s the internet equivalent of standing at your window and watching the villagers gather together and pick up their torches and pitchforks. It’s so scary! I had panic attacks for days.
November 29th, 2007 at 3:22 pm
What a tw*t. What Tod said.
November 29th, 2007 at 6:58 pm
I have seen this problem before and, yes, it is getting worse.
People feel untouchable because they are not face-to-face with whoever they’re bashing. I think it has to do with the lack of taking responsibility for their own actions.
I have ALWAYS used this maxim when I post;
“Don’t say anything online that you wouldn’t say in person.”
If more people worked that way, we would all be a lot happier.
I won’t even try to apologize for what the moron said, but, HelenKay, I really feel for you. Such an unfair, vicious and childish attack was entirely out of line and I’m sorry it happened to you.
Just imagine the person standing naked in the middle of a swamp filled with alligators and skeeters the size of Robins! Oh yeah!
November 29th, 2007 at 7:14 pm
Yikes! I took a week off blogs and Romancelandia has gone nuts. (((HK!!!))) I’m sorry this happened to you. It’s a horrid feeling, knowing there’s an untruth about oneself out there and not knowing how to stop it from spreading. Good to see your family got your back!
November 29th, 2007 at 8:48 pm
Oh, wow, Helenkay, I’m so sorry to hear about this!
It honestly stuns me how easily some people can spew things in an email, on a message board, in an anonymous review, that they would NEVER say to a person’s face. Smacks of the utmost hypocrisy in my mind.
November 29th, 2007 at 8:52 pm
PS: Gotta say…your hubby has what it takes to be a romance writer’s hubby.
November 29th, 2007 at 10:48 pm
I’m a day late and a dollar short, but still wanted to weigh in with a big hug and a WTF??? I think I can’t be astonished again, and then, there I go, staring at the screen, not believing what I’m reading. The sad part is, this happens with alarming frequency. You’d think I’d finally realize that the world is full of, uh, what was it Tod called them? Oh yes, fucktards. The world is full of fucktards and they all have computers and Internet connections. but they were all born with the clueless gene.
You’re a sterling example of what class and dignity are all about, HelenKay. My hat is off to you.
November 30th, 2007 at 8:36 am
Helen Kay,
I am reeling from what happened to you. Authors lead such open lives these days and to have someone attack your work out of spite and yet be completely offbase on the reason is so senseless. I applaud your willingness not to crawl into a shell and let this nutcase ruin your life. You’ve got wit, spark, charm, and intelligence. I’d say the real score in the game of life is Helen Kay 4, points Loser negative points.
Maggie
November 30th, 2007 at 9:02 am
I’m sorry to hear this spiteful episode happened to you
Sounds like a lot of rot to me.
November 30th, 2007 at 11:56 am
I can imagine your frustration.
However, let’s look on the bright side of things: I have a friend who says that people tend to remember her name, not the negative reviews attached to it. And that her sales go up when her name’s being bandied about.
So hopefully you’ll be able to get the last laugh with an increase in your sales.
November 30th, 2007 at 7:21 pm
(((hugs))) This is insane! I’m glad the review was taken down, at least!!!!
December 1st, 2007 at 7:56 am
There goes HelenKay again, creating another Internet kerfuffle
If it helps any, babes, I didn’t even hear about this until today. I think most intelligent people ignore these things when they do hear about them, or at least check the facts before forming an opinion. Also, most can tell a fake Amazon review when they see one — esp. one with so many grammar errors it’s nearly illegible.
Still, huge hugs kiddo. You’ve gotten enough but we can all use one more, eh?
Rock steady, gf.
December 1st, 2007 at 10:20 pm
[...] Good gods, I’m not saying a word! Sunday, December 2nd, 2007 @ 1:20 pm | Writing Did you hear about author HelenKay Dimon and what she copped? Seems Ms Dimon excerpted part of a review on a Diana Gabaldon book from Entertainment Weekly and get majorly dumped on by a set of Gabaldon fans as a result. She’s been fighting a rearguard action against the meangirls for a week now, but I bet it’s taking its toll. [...]
December 6th, 2007 at 3:28 pm
Ye gods, girl. I’m stumped. I found this link from Karen Miller’s website and had to re-read the posts a few times to grasp the concept of such bone headedness.
I actually feel sorry for Ms Gabaldon. She is no doubt cringing in her soul - knowing that a dedicated fan base like hers has lambased another author…it must be awful. The Internet is an amazing place and it is a pity that awfulness like this happens. Dear Helen, I hope you walk away from this with your head held high - you have handled yourself with incredible grace under fire. Well done - as for the fanpoodles…well now, just be glad you don’t have fans like that.